A New Normal

The new normal for our world is best described with one word: unstable. Here is just a brief list of recent unstable events in our news: the stock market, weather patterns, oil prices, housing industry, the economy, earthquakes (New Zealand and Japan), health care, and even nations (recently Egypt, Libya and Syria). Instability has become so common that many people feel something is wrong if there is nothing wrong. Not feeling in control and not being able to establish a “normal” are two major sources for stress and unrest—and we feel it. Recently, a school girl was asked what she was going to be when she grew up, her response: “Scared.”

We are not the first people to have to endure instability. Years ago there was a group of individuals who encountered financial strains, political upheaval, job insecurity, and even threats to their personal safety and to their families. At first this group was small and localized, about 120 people; but within two months it had swelled into thousands of people and migrated into several cultural regions. Before the group grew and spread out, the events in their lives were so unstable that they asked their leader if the world was coming to an end. Their leader, Jesus, responded, “It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority.” OUCH! They were stressed, uncertain, and trying to stay under the radar and Jesus says, “Time schedules are none of your business.” Fortunately, Jesus saw in their eyes what is in many of ours—that look of “Please, give us something.”  Jesus then said, “But, you will receive power…and you will be my witnesses…” (Acts 1:6-8).  They were looking for the end and Jesus was saying, “It’s just the beginning.”

At a pivotal moment in their lives Jesus promised power and a purpose. The same promise is being extended to me and you during these defining moments of the 21st Century.  Jesus offers power so that when the world shakes His followers stand firm. He offers purpose so that when the world we once knew is no longer recognizable His followers will still know what is important. A new normal does exist, but it is no match for the power and purpose of God.

I would like to invite you to come and be our guest at . Our worship times are 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. each Sunday. To learn more about Cypress, go to www.cypressavenue.org.